Online Backup

Ever worry about losing all your files and pictures that are on your computer or mobile device? You are not alone. Millions of people are constantly worrying about their system’s crashing. They tell themselves they will go buy another flash drive to back up their information; or better yet they’ll spend a fortune on a portable hard drive. But then what happens when you have a file saved on your desktop but you are out of town and need that file on your laptop? Hope you remembered to email yourself that file! Now there is a solution to help you avoid this complicated mess. It’s called Dropbox. This online storage solution allows you to sync your files online and across your computer automatically.

How Does it Work?

All you need to do is save your files and pictures to a Dropbox folder on one computer and the files will appear automatically on any other computer that has Dropbox installed. Dropbox is also available for Smartphones so your files will appear on your phone as well. Also, all your files are available online at dropbox.com.

Main Features

There are some really cool features that come with Dropbox. First of all, you get 2GB of free storage. If you want more you will have to pay a fee for a maximum of 100GB. They also run promotions for free storage giveaway. For every customer you refer, you get 250MB of extra space totally free!

Snyc Files
Dropbox can sync a file of any size and any type. That means no more endless waiting for your email to upload a huge file before sending. Say for example you are editing a document in your Dropbox folder, as soon as you press the save button, Dropbox will automatically save that file and all its changes throughout all your computers and phones. This way there is no need to email the file or save it to a flash drive and transfer it to another location.

Undo and Delete
There is this really cool feature called ‘undo and delete’. Every time you save a file in Dropbox, they save every change you make to their servers. In other words, Dropbox keeps a history of every change you made so you can undo any mistakes and even undelete files! There is also an unlimited undo option called “Pack-rat”.

File Sharing
You can also easily share files or photos with others. All you need to do is put the desired files or photo in your Dropbox folder and invite people to see them. You can also send people specific links to files in your Dropbox account. With file sharing you can allow several people to view a file, control who has access to your folders, see other people’s changes instantaneously and automatically create shareable photo galleries out of regular folders.

Online backup
Dropbox backs up your files online to their servers without you having to do a thing! This way if every one of your computers burns down, you will still be able to access your files straight form their website.

Security and Privacy

Dropbox uses military grade encryption methods to transfer and store your data so you never have to be worried about hackers!

Dropbox is very easy to install and use. It provides many features for an online storage solution program. Dropbox is a great way to share and store all your information. Between its reliability, great features and simplicity you should have no doubts about trying this great service.

If you have a home computer that you use for email, research and the occasional Facebooking, you’ve probably never seriously considered investing in a home computer backup system.  Even if you use your computer for light typing, Excel spreadsheets or storing your children’s homework assignments backing up this information with a home computer backup may not be your first priority.  But if it isn’t, perhaps it should be.

It only takes a few moments for a fire to sweep through a house, destroying everything in its path.  Likewise, a virus can spread through your computer in minutes, destroying your files, deleting your data or corrupting your computer beyond repair.  And, while nobody enjoys thinking that these things may happen, the reality is that they do happen- and they happen with alarming frequency.

While it may be impossible to protect all of your belongings from a fire or other natural disaster, it is entirely possible to protect your data from being obliterated by a tragedy or virus infiltration.  Home data backup can be done entirely electronically, so that even if your physical computer or home is damaged, your data will remain entirely intact.

The great news about online data backup is that some home computer backup can be done for free.  iDrive, for example, offers up to 2GB of free storage, which means that if you don’t have too many files, you may be able to store all of your important information for free.  But, even if you are like most people and also want to backup your photos and music downloads, you can still enjoy home computer backup for an extremely reasonable price.  With few exceptions, storage packages for home data backup can be selected to match your usage, so that you needn’t pay for excessive GBs of storage that you’ll never use.  Interestingly, even unlimited home computer backup services can be affordable.  Carbonite, for example, offers unlimited storage for around $5/month, which is an extremely reasonable price considering the peace of mind that this home data backup provides.

If you think of home computer backup as insurance, you’ll see that it is a truly important addition to every home computer.  Just as you wouldn’t choose to live without homeowner’s (or renter’s) insurance to protect your physical property, you should never live without online data backup to protect your intellectual property.  Because even if a computer can be easily replaced, the data stored on it is likely irreplaceable.

Congratulations, you’ve decided to open up a small business! Whether it’s your first foray into the business world or you’re an experienced entrepreneur, you’re probably already thinking about startup expenses and the costs associated with financing a small business.  With so many factors to consider, small business finance can be extremely stressful (if not downright overwhelming).  Fortunately, there are many new services and technological advances that can keep small business expenses to a minimum.   Here are five of our favorites- we hope that they’ll help you launch a successful and financially stable business.

1. Virtual Office Services. Most businesses require a voicemail, a fax machine and a telephone plan.  They may also require multiple extensions, an auto-attendant (automated “receptionist”), conference calling and other upgraded phone service features.  With a virtual office package, all of these services can be purchased for a low monthly fee.  If you want to create a professional image without spending a fortune on individual services, a virtual office should be on your list of necessities when financing your small business.
2. Do-it-Yourself Websites. These days, every business needs a great-looking website.  And, while you can hire an expensive design and programming team, there are also many websites that enable business owners to build their own website at a significantly reduced price.  Do-it-yourself websites can support everything from ecommerce platforms to artistic portfolios and can enhance the professionalism of any enterprise.
3. Online Backups. The last thing any business owner wants to worry about is losing vital information in a computer crash or chance act of nature.  Keeping an online backup is a great way to protect your business’s important information.  If your company doesn’t have many files from its inception, you can begin with a free online backup service, and expand to a paid subscription when you’ve amassed enough files.  This can be a great way to save money while making sure that your data is protected.
4. Reliable accounting. If you’re the creative genius behind your business but aren’t strong in the math department, you’ll need a reliable accountant that can help you keep your facts and figures together.  Depending on the scale of your business, you may want to hire an accountant who can explain the necessary processes and filings with you.  If, however, you are starting as a solo enterprise, you can take advantage of online accounting software that can keep your books balanced and, hopefully, ensure that your company will become profitable.
5. Stationery and printed materials. No matter what type of business you’re in, you’ll probably need some sort of printed materials.  Personalized receipts, business cards, and even shopping bags can help a business markedly advance its branding efforts.  And yet, while personalized and printed items can be expensive, they don’t have to be.  Ordering these items online can save the business owner money and time, as it eliminates the need to travel to and from the printer’s office.

Is there another business expense that you considered a critical when financing your small business?  We’d love to hear about it!